Quicksplained: Bengaluru to witness zero shadow day: What is it?

A unique celestial phenomenon is in store for Bengaluru residents amid soaring temperatures and a serious water crisis.

India’s Silicon Valley will witness a rare phenomenon called “Zero Shadow Day” at noon on Wednesday, 24 April.

The phenomenon will also be experienced by other cities, like Kanyakumari, Bhopal, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, which lie at the same latitude as the IT hub in India.

Here’s all we know about this rare celestial phenomenon.

What is Zero Shadow Day?

• Zero Shadow Day occurs at noon when the Sun is directly overhead. When this happens, there are no shadows of any objects because the Sun’s rays strike the earth at a 90-degree angle, according to News18.

• This phenomenon usually occurs in areas close to the equator, where the angle of the Sun is practically exactly perpendicular to the surface of the Earth.

• The Earth changes positions in the sky as it revolves around the Sun, reaching its zenith at various latitudes and times of the year. The Sun moves annually from 23.5 degrees south of the equator to 23.5 degrees north, and vice versa, resulting in the formation of seasons, explained NDTV.

• Although the Zero Shadow Day only lasts a few seconds, its effects can be seen for a few minutes.

• Zero Shadow Day occurs twice a year, around the times of the summer and winter solstices, in locations between the Tropic of Cancer (roughly 23.5 degrees north) and the Tropic of Capricorn (around 23.5 degrees south), according to the Astronomical Society of India.

• For people living in these two regions of latitude, the Sun’s declination will match a person’s latitude twice during Uttarayan and Dakshinayan, as per News18.

• Zero Shadow Day is not only an exciting celestial treat but it also aids in the study of the Sun’s movement and position, as well as the tilt of the Earth and its orbit around it by astronomers and scientists.

• Bengaluru will witness the rare event between 12.17 and 12.23 pm. The city will witness the same event on 18 August again at 12.25 pm.

• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru is hosting an event to mark Zero Shadow Day at its Koramangala campus, welcoming people to join activities starting from 10 am to 1 pm. The event will help participants witness the phenomena and gain insights into the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the Sun.

• Zero Shadow Day can also be witnessed in cities like Kanyakumari on 10 April and 1 September at Local Noon 12.21, 12.22; Hyderabad on 9 May and 5 August at Local Noon 12.12, 12.19; Mumbai on 15 May and 27 June at Local Noon 12.34, 12.45; and Bhopal on 13 June and 28 June at Local Noon 12.20, 12.23, according to NDTV.

• The phenomenon doesn’t pose any safety risks, but, it is advisable to avoid looking directly at the Sun.

With inputs from agencies